War Museum (Polemiko Moussio) (45)

You may find it strange to honour the war in an exhibition hall, but it is marked by history, and not just from the Greek civilisation. However, seeing weapons of all ages in glass cases and fight scenes on canvas is often more reassuring to see on the news on the television, as often happens.

The Polemiko Mouseío or War Museum gives a complete overview of the history of Greece, and like all others, it is significantly marked by the wars that appear throughout their mythological histories.

Do not be impressed by the overwhelming exterior exposure. If you are able to cross to the nearby museum between the colossal tanks, war armour, planes and bombers that occupy the space like a battlefield, you are all done. If you are someone who is passionate about these vehicles, prepare to enjoy because you can even climb into the cockpits of some of them.

Our recommendation is to start the visit from the top floor of the building and work your way down. On these floors, the vast museum collection is arranged chronologically to help you follow the thread of the story more easily.

Thus, in the galleries you will find illustrated mythological Trojan wars and stories of Homer's works, you'll trace back the plane-burning strategists in Mycenaean times, and be impressed with the section devoted to the terrible battle of Crete, during the World War II, and the German occupation of 1941. One of the attractions of the museum include replicas of frescoes from the Vassai Temple in the Peloponnese, showing various military conflicts.

Perhaps you are more interested in the museum dedicated to a collection of copies of the strangest weapons, or the most used, old, destructive or mythical. There is everything here, even models illustrating the evolution of some battles, and you can illuminate them with small buttons to show the advancing troops.

Helmets, military uniforms, armour, sketches, oil paintings and engravings show the horrors of war, also provided for a didactic purpose.

After sitting down to enjoy a snack in one of the quiet plazas around the Plaka, or listening to the silence in the hills around the Acropolis, after living mysticism of Byzantine chapels or leisurely stroll around the Roman Agora, the Museum of War is a place for action.